chasing paper

'I was fully optimistic. Fully out of character.'

Hi — I’m the author, journalist, producer, and podcast creator Danyel Smith. SHINE BRIGHT HQ is where I overshare about music, culture, sports, and writing. Folks really loved this recent Ronnie Spector edition. And this one, too, about folks killing other folks’ joy. A full Shine Bright HQ archive is here. Me and SZA in Malibu? Right here. You and your fellow subscribers also really like this 10+ hour instrumental playlist, and this tear-stained st. bart's-scented love letter. Right now is a positively lovely time to

I'm being hard on myself. I am being hard on my work.

I've been working hard to have a lot of work because in these times, when it seems like the bad guys are always winning, money seems like a hiding place or escape route or spot in the sun.

I know because I've been chasing paper since forever. Or at least s…